At SVT Electronics we began developing TachoSafe products as early as 2007, building what would become a subbrand known for innovation and reliability in tachograph data management. We launched the first TachoSafe manual download device – Tacho2Safe – in 2012, marking the beginning of a product line dedicated to helping transport and logistics companies meet legal compliance through practical, user-friendly solutions.

 

Since then, the TachoSafe brand has continued to evolve, introducing increasingly advanced tools to simplify manual (and semi-automatic) tachograph downloads. Read on to explore the history and development of TachoSafe manual downloading equipments – from the original Tacho2Safe to the latest TachoSafe Connect – showing how we have consistently adapted to the growing demands of fleet operators and drivers alike.

 

2012: The introduction of Tacho2Safe – Simplicity meets compliance

The journey began in 2012 with the launch of Tacho2Safe, a compact, battery-powered device designed to help drivers and fleet managers meet legal download obligations for digital tachographs and driver cards. Built for compatibility with all digital tachograph types, Tacho2Safe quickly gained popularity thanks to its:

• Ease of use
• Local storage capacity for up to 3,000 individual card readings
• Integrated USB NiMH charger and single AA battery operation
• OLED display for data visibility and user-friendly navigation
• On-screen reminders that prompted timely downloads

 

Tacho2Safe stood out as a manual yet reliable solution, ideal for small to medium-sized fleets focused on in-house compliance management. While it lacked wireless capabilities, it made up for it with dependability and compatibility with third-party analysis software.

 

2022: Tacho5Safe – Entering the era of connectivity and automation

A decade later, TachoSafe responded to significant industry shifts – such as the introduction of second-generation G2V2 tachographs and the increasing demand for cloud-based data solutions – by launching the Tacho5Safe device in 2022.

 

Tacho5Safe brought a leap in technological advancement:

• Full automation of downloads (driver card and tachograph)
• Bluetooth connectivity, enabling mobile configuration
• Cloud storage and secure data transfer
• Access to the www.tacho5safe.com platform for real-time analysis and data management

 

Incorporating a LiPo rechargeable battery, internal memory, and modular integration (including a tachograph and driver card reader), Tacho5Safe significantly reduced manual interventions. It catered to fleets seeking wireless convenience and centralised control, offering mobile phone-based download customisation – a feature that modernised how compliance was managed.

 

2025: Tacho5Safe+ – Power and performance enhanced

Building on the foundation of Tacho5Safe, the Tacho5Safe+ model was introduced earlier this year, addressing a key user request: greater storage capacity.

 

With 8GB of internal memory, this version allows users to store and manage far more data locally before syncing it to the cloud. Tacho5Safe+ maintains all the core features of its predecessor – automatic download, mobile configuration, Bluetooth communication, and compatibility with G2V2 tachographs – while adding support for both:

• the TachoSafe cloud platform (via www.tacho5safe.com)
• the TachoSafe Lite desktop application, for those preferring offline data handling

 

The result is a more flexible solution catering to both tech-savvy and traditional users. It enables businesses to tailor their data management workflow according to fleet size, connectivity infrastructure and data security preferences.

 

2025: TachoSafe Connect – Real-time remote control for fleet managers

Also released in 2025, TachoSafe Connect marks the most significant advancement in the product line’s history. Designed with fleet-wide scalability in mind, TachoSafe Connect is tailored for businesses requiring centralised, real-time tachograph data management.

 

Key features included:

• Support for second-generation G2V2 tachographs
• Real-time cloud communication via built-in 4G/LTE modem
• SIM card with 500MB data traffic, enabling autonomous cloud transfer
• Web-based configuration and analysis via the TachoSafe WEB platform
• Automatic downloads by period selection, reducing manual oversight
• 8GB internal storage for local buffering if a network is temporarily unavailable

 

TachoSafe Connect isn’t just an upgrade – it represents a paradigm shift. No longer does compliance require physically connecting a device to a vehicle; now it can be managed from anywhere, anytime. This is a game-changer for larger fleets operating across national borders or for companies wanting to streamline their administrative operations.

 

From portable to platform-driven: A legacy of innovation

TachoSafe’s evolution reflects more than just technical progress; it illustrates how user needs have shaped product design over time:

• 2012: Tacho2Safe brought accessible compliance to individual drivers and small fleets
• 2022: Tacho5Safe introduced automation and cloud accessibility
• 2025: Tacho5Safe+ balanced cloud and desktop capabilities with increased storage
• 2025: TachoSafe Connect revolutionised fleet management through real-time, remote access and complete autonomy

 

Each generation is built upon the strengths and limitations of its predecessor, offering targeted improvements such as larger storage, mobile-friendly controls, desktop software integration, and eventually remote configuration and real-time data synchronisation.

 

A forward-looking approach

Over the years, TachoSafe has transformed manual downloading from a local, battery-powered task into a networked, cloud-integrated, and remotely managed system. What began as a practical tool for meeting legal obligations is now a comprehensive digital ecosystem supporting compliance, efficiency and scalability in modern transportation.

Whether you’re an owner-operator or managing a multinational fleet, the TachoSafe family of devices offers tailored solutions for every operational scale and digital maturity level. With each launch, TachoSafe has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer-centric development – proving that when it comes to tachograph data, the future is safe with TachoSafe.